Parenting a child who has very defiant behavior or who is diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder is different than parenting a “typical kid”. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is defined as: “a child or teen who has a frequent and consistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance and often vindictiveness towards their parent(s) or other authority figures.” Children who consistently behave in this defiant way towards parents and authority figures don't eventually comply with most limit setting or consequences. Why? Because kids with this level of defiance are focused on being in control. When extremely defiant kids are facing a limit or consequence, their acting out behavior escalates, sometimes violently. ODD is a very challenging diagnosis that takes a certain set of parenting techniques. There are ways to effectively parent a child with very defiant behavior or ODD. Below you'll find the list of articles we suggest to get you started. Why the Word “No” Sets Off an ODD Child Your Defiant Child's Behavior: 5 Things You Can – and Can't – Control As a Parent Is Your Child Engaging in Delinquent Behavior? 4 Ways to Manage It
Do you have an ODD child or teen who constantly argues and fights your authority, refusing to follow the rules of your home? When the number for his school shows up on your caller identification, do you cringe in fear of what trouble he’s in now? When you have an oppositional, defiant child, it’s painful... Read more »
The holidays can be a tough time for everyone. And when you’re parenting an oppositional, defiant or challenging child, the holidays can be more than tough; they can be downright awful. My son is in his thirties now, but all I have to do is close my eyes, and I can remember... Read more »
Everyone gets mad sometimes, children and adults alike. Anger is an emotion that can range from slightly irritated to moderately angry, all the way to full-blown rage. A child’s anger often makes us feel uncomfortable, so there can be a natural tendency to try and change the situation for your child, so the anger will... Read more »
Has your oppositional, defiant child’s behavior escalated to the point where he’s using physical force against you—or do you fear that he might? Kim Abraham and Marney Studaker-Cordner have worked with parents of kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder for 20 years—and Kim is the parent of an adult child with ODD. In this article, they... Read more »
Nobody understands what it’s like to parent an oppositional, defiant child unless you have one. The exhaustion, isolation and feelings of helplessness and shame can be debilitating for any parent. Kim Abraham and Marney Studaker-Cordner understand where you’re coming from, because they’ve worked with parents of kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder for 20 years—and Kim... Read more »
“That’s just the Terrible Two’s.” “He's just being a brat. All he needs is a good attitude adjustment.” “She needs to know that you’re in control. Be consistent.” If your young child is behaving in a way that is oppositional or defiant, you’ve probably heard one or more of these phrases from family, friends, teachers or the lady... Read more »
What do you do when your teen is intimidating you? Not just throwing a tantrum to get something he wants, but outright trying to scare you? How do you respond to an adolescent who gets up and blocks your way when you’re trying to leave the room, towering over you and looking at you in... Read more »
Parents are often left wondering if their child’s argumentative, limit-testing, back-talking, rule-breaking behavior is “typical” teen or pre-teen defiance—or if it’s something else. What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)? Clinically speaking, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is “a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior or vindictiveness lasting at least six months.” But what does that mean, exactly? If an image... Read more »
Screaming fights. Destructive behavior. Volatile moods. Do your child’s anger and rage make you feel exhausted and out of control? In a recent Empowering Parents poll, Angie S. commented, “I walk on eggshells around my 15-year-old son. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I’m afraid of his explosive temper.” In that same poll, more than 50... Read more »
Many parents of children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder feel hopeless and alone. They live in homes that become like little prisons as they deal with kids who are absolutely out of control and unmanageable. They don’t like their child any more, even though they still love him or her. And they’re confused about why nothing... Read more »
